SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Antonio Silva (G. Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Tomàs Araújo (Otamendi) · R. Obrador (Dahl) · Enzo Barrenechea (Richard Ríos / Manu Silva) · Leandro Barreiro (J. Veloso) · Fredrik Aursnes (D. Prioste) · Ivan Lima (Bruma / A. Schjelderup) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica focuses on a defensive identity to absorb pressure and strike quickly, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a direct style that relies on solid defensive blocks and rapid transitions. The team seeks to sit deep and wait for the right moment to hit the opposition in behind.

Trubin acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back five consists of Dedic as the right wing back, Antonio Silva, Enzo Barrenechea, and Tomàs Araújo in the center, with R. Obrador as the left wing back. Dedic and R. Obrador act as attacking wing backs that push high to provide width. Antonio Silva and Tomàs Araújo work to play out from the back, while Enzo Barrenechea stays central to cover the space and win the second ball. The unit works to defend zonally and keep the lines tight.

The midfield functions as a double pivot consisting of Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro. These two players are tasked to shield the defense and connect the back line to the attackers. Fredrik Aursnes often carries the ball forward to break the line, while Leandro Barreiro works to recycle possession and squeeze the space in the middle. They must track back to support the defenders and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

In the attacking third, the team employs three forwards. Dodi Lukebakio stays wide to hug the touchline, while Ivan Lima acts as an inverted winger who cuts inside to create more central threat. Pavlidis operates as a lone striker. The attack uses width from the wingers to stretch the defense while Pavlidis provides a central presence. Pavlidis works to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates in tight spaces. The front three press from the front to force a long ball and trigger a press high up the pitch.

One tactical advantage for SL Benfica is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs overlap the wingers. This helps to stretch the defense and create space in the middle. Another strength is the compactness when defending in a low block. By staying narrow, the midfield and defense can deny the turn to playmakers and force the opposition wide.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed for teams that want to remain hard to beat and counter at pace. It is most effective against opponents that hold high lines and leave large gaps behind their defenders.